Bengaluru, Dec 11 (Reporter) Delhi defeated Uttar Pradesh (UP) by 19 runs in the second quarterfinal of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. Anuj Rawat's blistering 73* off 33 balls spearheaded Delhi's charge to 193/3, a total that proved too much for UP, who were restricted to 174 in their chase. Delhi's innings was propelled by Rawat's explosive knock, with the wicketkeeper-batsman taking charge in the death overs. After a cautious start, where Rawat scored just 9 off 10 deliveries, he unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes, smashing 64 runs off his next 23 balls. His innings included seven boundaries and five sixes, with most of the damage coming against Shivam Mavi and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The onslaught began in the 15th over, as Rawat dispatched Panwar for a four and a six before plundering 23 runs off Mavi in the 16th. A series of powerful pulls, lofted drives, and flicks brought Rawat his half-century off just 22 balls. Arya (44) and skipper Yash Dhull (42) provided crucial support as Delhi surged past the 190-mark. Chasing 194, UP’s innings lacked rhythm despite Priyam Garg’s valiant 54 off 35 balls. Garg launched an early counterattack, smashing sixes and fours off Simarjeet Singh, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Garg's effort alone couldn’t prevent UP from stumbling to 51/3 in seven overs. While Sameer Rizvi (26) added some spark, Delhi's bowlers – led by Prince Yadav (3/36) and Suyash Sharma (2/36) – kept chipping away. Simarjeet returned to dismiss Garg, whose departure at 104/5 effectively ended UP’s hopes. Late hitting from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohsin Khan, and Vineet Panwar gave the crowd some entertainment, but the task was too steep. The final margin of defeat underlined UP's over-reliance on Garg and a lack of support from their top order. The match also featured a heated exchange between Nitish Rana and Ayush Badoni. A delay in delivery and subsequent collision during a single sparked tension, requiring umpire intervention. Badoni later dismissed Rana and gave him a fiery send-off, momentarily energising the UP camp. With this win, Delhi advance to the semifinals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Rawat's form will be key as they eye the title, while UP will reflect on missed opportunities and an underwhelming batting display...////...